“Be Your Best Self”: A Message For All Ages – by Stephanie

Last year, when I heard about the Be Your Best Self message for the first time, my initial reaction was “wow what a great message to teach to kids”.  However, as I made presentations to different groups throughout the year, I quickly learned that this message by no means applies only to children, but to anyone from any background of any age.  Since learning about Distinguished Young Women’s outreach program, I have not only become more contentious about striving towards being my best self, but have begun noticing when others do as well. In the past few weeks especially, with the passing of national Be Your Best Self week, I have been excited to notice many different aspects of the program being put into action all over UConn’s campus.  Interestingly enough, I noticed many of the aspects being focused on through activities revolving around Spring Weekend.  Now, in the past, it’s no secret that UConn’s spring weekend has been associated with wild partying, destruction, injuries and arrests.  In fact, for the past two years, all activities have been banned and the campus has been put into a semi-lockdown state.  However, this year, the president of the University decided to reinstate the tradition, but press that it be associated with a much more positive message.  In fact, the motto surrounding the three-day event was “UConn Learns, UConn Serves, UConn Cares”.  Throughout the entire weekend, I watched as students enjoyed the beautiful New England spring weather and participated in fun and constructive events.  One of the featured events of the weekend was the annual Oozeball tournament-a massive, multi-court, day long tournament of mud volleyball.  When I agreed to sign up a month in advance, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Regardless, I knew that it was a long-lived tradition in the school, and I felt like there had to be a reason why.  Sure enough, it was probably one of the most entertaining activities I’ve participated in all of my freshman year.  Although my team ended up losing a tied game in the last 20 seconds of the first round, it was a great experience, and an awesome way to get exercise.  For students who preferred more “clean” fun, there were different service activities being hosted the entire weekend.  From a trash clean-up crew, to different off-campus service trips, to the “stuff-a-husky” care package drive, there was something for everyone, allowing students to be involved and give back to their school and their community.  For students that were beginning to prepare for upcoming finals, workshops were held.  These focused on different study techniques, time management and even thesis writing.  Although it was a fun and exciting weekend, students were encouraged to continue to be studious.  On Saturday, there was a carnival, which consisted of blow-up games, tents, free food and giveaways (basically, a college students dream).  At one of the booths, the suicide prevention group was coordinating a program called “100 Reasons to Live”.  Students were asked to decorate an index card, and record a goal that they had or something they wanted to achieve in life.  The goals ranged anywhere from elaborate life plans, to finding love, to traveling the world.  All were unique, all were special, and all showed the ambitious personalities of the different students.  Finally, the president of the university recognized the concerns of many students that because of the restrictions put in place, they wouldn’t be able to have fun this weekend.  She reassured everyone that she understood the concerns and that she wanted all to have a good time, but while staying safe, remaining in control and taking full responsibility for actions.  Overall, it was an enjoyable weekend and for me personally, it was great to see the pillars of the Be Your Best Self program being encouraged on a college campus, a place that a message like that is far-too-often not associated with. 

 

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

 

Top Ten Useful Items to Keep In Your Purse - by Stephanie

1.    Pony tail holder-The possible situations that could arise in which a hair elastic could be useful are endless.  Whether you get to the gym and the hair elastic you’re using breaks, or you’re walking outside and get caught in a burst of wind, always be prepared in case you want your long locks up and out of your face. 

2.    Baby wipes-Messes can happen suddenly and without warning, causing sticky evidence on your hands, face or any other personal items.  Carry a travel-sized pack of baby wipes and be prepared for the unexpected.  

3.    Pen/Small pad of paper-Although the need for this is becoming less and less due to current-day smartphone technology, keeping a pen and pad of paper with you is a nice backup in case the batteries on your electronics fail you.  

4.    Mini deodorant-Self-explanatory-who doesn’t like to stay feeling and smelling fresh, especially on a warm day.

5.    Pair of small fold-up flats-This item will particularly come in handy if you wear heals on a daily basis or walk as a main form of transportation.  For those days that your dress shows and your feet are just not in synch, whip out your pair of flats.  They’re cute, comfortable, and easily stored.  

6.    Band-Aids-In case you forget your pair of fold-up flats, this is the next best thing you can keep in your purse.  Even if you can’t change your shoes, use a band aid to protect blisters and sores that form. 

7.    Emergency whistle-This is especially important if you walk alone often.  If you ever run into trouble, one of the best self-defense mechanisms is to create as much noise and commotion as possible.  

8.    A pill box containing Advil/Tylenol and Tums-Don’t take up the space and weight of carrying 3 full bottles of tablets and medications.  Purchase a small pill box at your local grocery store, and keep it stocked with just a few doses of your over-the-counter medications.  

9.    Pocket brush with mirror-Serves two functions.  If you weren’t fortunate enough to remember your hair elastic, mentioned at the beginning, then if you have this, you can at least fix your hair style once you’ve gotten to where you’re going.  Use the mirror to be on the alert for food bits in your teeth after a meal and to check for smudged makeup.

10.    Key holder-These are both practical and cute.  They usually hang over the edge of the outside of the purse, displaying a cute logo or emblem.  On the inside, there is a clip from which your keys can be clipped.  This way, they don’t get lost in all of the other items listed above and you will always be able to find them in a moment’s notice.  



Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Dorm Décor 101 - by Stephanie

On move-in day in August, when I opened the door to my freshman dorm, I looked around the cement-box room and couldn't help but thinking, “This is where I’ll live for the next nine months?”  However, since then, my roommate and I have found many small ways to make our dorm feel like a second home.  Here are a few of the easiest tricks we've discovered:

1. Bring sentimental items – Yes, there is no doubt that is very limited space in a freshman dorm.  However, make room for at least a few pictures, some of your favorite stuffed animals (my bed is half-covered) and any other special items that remind you of home.  Pictures of family and friends help to remind you that even if college life gets tough sometimes, you have a great support system that will always be at home waiting for you.  Stuffed animals not only carry familiar smells from home, but many fond memories and are great to snuggle with after a long day of classes.

2. Incorporate a lot of fun colors and decorations into your room’s décor – Many college dorms are very standard and plain.  Although none are exactly the same, many share the traits of being square and bare.  The walls are rarely painted a fun color and the floors are usually hard and unwelcoming.  Although, unfortunately, most universities won’t allow you to change the color of the wall paint, you can easily get around this by simply covering them.  Use posters, photos, Christmas lights, bulletin boards, signs, whiteboards, cards, ribbons, cutouts, newspaper clippings….basically anything you can think of.  You’ll be surprised to find out how much of a difference it can make!

3. Get a rug – As I said above, the floors in a college dorm, similar to the walls, are usually plain and a little unwelcoming.  They are rarely carpeted, and although this can make them easier to clean, it doesn't generally make them particularly welcoming to sit on. Even a small rug laid on the floor can give your dorm an entirely new feeling to it.  First, it breaks up the sometimes monotonous pattern/color.  Second, and more importantly, hanging out in a room for a few hours playing a board game or just talking is a very common scene in college.  If there isn't enough bed or chair space for everyone, people will be much more likely to sit on the floor if it is covered in a rug rather than if it’s bare.  

4. Get a nice sheet and comforter set – If I were reading this before I entered college, I’d be thinking, “well of course….what else do you sleep on?”  However, in the past few months, I've met multiple people who, rather than getting a sheet and comforter set, they just sleep in a sleeping bag on the bed.  Practically, yes this works, but I feel like it gives the room such a temporary feel.  I know your dorm isn't your permanent settlement, but it is your home for an entire school year and it’s difficult to think of it that way if you sleep the same way in it as you do when you’re camping or sleeping over at a friend’s house. 

5. Decorate for the holidays! – One thing that I've noticed about college is that not nearly as much energy is focused on celebrating holidays as it was in my family when I was growing up.  It makes sense-college students are busy with friends and schoolwork and being active.  However, taking time to celebrate holidays has always been something I've greatly enjoyed.  Therefore, I, with the help of my roommate, always make the effort to put up decorations both in our room and on the outside of our door leading into our room.  It really helps make the room feel cheery and festive.


Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Five Ways to Avoid the Freshmen Fifteen - by Stephanie

Entering college comes with a lot of big lifestyle changes.  One of the things that worried me most was gaining the dreaded “freshmen fifteen”.  I heard from so many people that between munching during late night study sessions, no longer participating in high school varsity sports and having free range in a dining hall make it very easy to gain a few unwanted pounds.  However, in my first semester, I’ve found a few ways to help gain control over this potential issue. 

1.    Use the gym!

Take advantage of the huge gym facilities that most schools offer students.  I know it can sometimes be a little overwhelming to walk into the weight room, filled with jacked-beyond-belief men, but trust me-they’re not that scary!  Actually, I’ve found that if you just act like you belong, they accept and respect you.  If weight machines aren’t really your thing, opt for the many different cardio machines, the lap pool, or try a group fitness class.  Yoga’s a great stress reliever, Pilates helps to build a strong core and Zumba is basically a big dance party!

2.    Just because you CAN eat unhealthy meals doesn’t mean you HAVE to

There’s no doubt that when you have the option to eat pizza, French fries and cake for every meal, it’s difficult to avoid doing so.  However, even though it seems like there are many unhealthy options, there are just as many healthy ones.  At most schools, a full salad bar or fruit bar are available during most times of the day.  On top of this, many schools having recently been implementing programs that point out menu options that are more nutritious, so making better decisions is becoming easier for students.

3.    Walk to class whenever possible

If your school has a campus transportation system, I understand that sometimes if you’re tired and not in the mood to walk, using it can seem very appealing-that’s fine!  The transportation system is in place for a reason and there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of it.  However, try not to get into the habit of taking the bus everywhere and making it a daily thing.  Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it allows you to really get to know the different areas and aspects of campus that you might not be able to see from a bus window.  

4.    Try to avoid unhealthy late night munchies

Let’s be honest-college students stay up late.  It’s not uncommon, when you’re up late studying for that big exam, to suddenly feel that familiar rumble in your belly.  Late night snacks are not necessarily a bad thing because when you’re system is “running on low”, your brain isn’t nearly as productive.  However, do yourself a favor and keep healthy snacks, like fruits or nuts in your room, and avoid ordering in late-night wings or cookies.

5.    Learn a new sport or hobby!

Most universities offer so many different types of clubs and sports.  You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to participate in sports and have a good time.  Join an intramural mural team that plays your favorite sport from high school, or try something totally new.  Some of the activities that are offered might surprise you.  Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone!

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Memories - by Stephanie

In the past few days, as I’ve been taking care of some housecleaning, one of my projects was to clean out and sort through old photo albums on my computer.  Of course when I came across the albums from June and July of last year, I lingered much longer than I should have on the pictures of my amazing experience in Mobile, Alabama, reminiscing of those amazing two weeks.  One particular photograph that was taken in the airport before my departure triggered a memory that turned out to be one of the most memorable from the entire trip (and that’s saying something!).  I had just settled in for the three hour-ride home from Atlanta, Georgia to Boston, Massachusetts, filled with mixed emotions.  I was excited to return home and be reunited with my friends and family, but on the other hand was sad to part from the 50 new best friends I had spent the past two weeks with.  I pulled out my itinerary from the trip, my notebook and a pen and began the long process of making a list of all those that I owed thank you notes to for making my trip the incredible experience that it was.  About an hour into the trip, I noticed that the lady across the aisle from me was intently watching what I was doing.  Upon noticing my upward glance, she quickly took the opportunity to ask exactly what I was doing.  I spent the next hour explaining to her that because I won my state competition, I was given the opportunity to spend two weeks getting to know the other state representatives, exploring Southern culture and participating in community service events.  She was a little hard of hearing, so as our conversation continued, her speech volume continued to rise, and I noticed the man sitting next to her, looking over at both of us, seemingly listening to our conversation.  As he leaned over, I expected him to request that we quiet down, but rather inquired, “Are you talking about the America’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program”?  Taken aback, I paused for a moment before explaining that yes that’s exactly what we were talking about, except the program’s name had a makeover a few years ago and that it is now called Distinguished Young Women.  Excitedly, he tapped the arm of the woman sitting next to him (who had been listening to her iPod) and replied, “My wife was Idaho’s Junior Miss in the 1980s!”  He then looked over to her and explained that I was on my way home from the National Competition and am the current Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire.  She seemed so surprised and excited and we ended up spending the remainder of the flight talking about the similarities and differences of our experiences.  She recalled how, similar to when we arrived in the airport, her and the other girls were welcomed by the Azalea trail maids.  She recalled visiting Wintzell’s Oyster House and Bellingrath Gardens.  She asked to see my itinerary and went through the entire packet twice over.  She shared stories about other experiences she has had in past years, running into other women who had direct and indirect connections to the program, from her hairdresser to her college roommate’s’ mother.  After speaking with her, it made me realize that what everyone had been telling me for months was 100 percent true.  When I was named as New Hampshire’s representative, I was initiated into a sisterhood.  Not just with the girls that I had the pleasure to meet at Nationals, but also with all other participants from years past and representatives from years to come.

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Reflecting on Tragedy - by Stephanie

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, from work to school to sports to music lessons, it is so easy to lose sight of what’s really important.  In doing so, it is too easy to take for granted what you have been blessed with in life.  I am, without question, oftentimes guilty of this myself.  Not returning a missed call from a relative or answering a text from a high school friend because it’s late and I have a biology lab to finish and a chemistry exam to study for...this is something I’ve been guilty of more than one time over the course of the last semester.  However, on Friday I was reminded in a very harsh way that the things and people that mean the most to you should not be taken for granted.  I had just completed my final calculus exam and was rejoicing with a fellow classmate about the fact that we were finished with our most difficult class of the semester.  As we walked into the dining hall and sat to enjoy our lunch, continuing on with our happy chatter about winter plans, another friend, who was wearing a somber expression, sat down to join us.  At the first pause in our conversation, he asked quietly, “did you hear about the shooting?"  Taken aback, both of us just looked at him, mouths agape, making sure we heard him correctly.  “Yeah…this morning in Newtown, Connecticut at an elementary school.”  After that, the conversation virtually subsided except for the occasional “how could anyone shoot innocent children?”  After the quiet meal, I proceeded up to my room to finish reviewing for my chemistry exam the following day and tune into one of the many local news stations that were reporting on the tragic incident.  For the next few hours, the realness of what had happened began to sink in.  Of course in the past few years when tragic events happened across the country, I was interested to hear about them and saddened for the people whose lives were immediately affected by the incidents.  However, attending the University of Connecticut, many of my closest friends that I’ve made in the past three months are residents of Connecticut and many had direct connections with Newtown and the people that live there.  To name a few, a good friend of mine tutors young children from Newtown and surrounding areas and another girl that lives on my floor has lived in the town since middle school.  Not only hearing about the event, but seeing first-hand the direct effects of tragedies such as this was a true reminder to me to cherish what you’ve been given.  I’ve been reminded to never take anything for granted and make sure to make it clear when you appreciate someone because you may not always have the opportunity to do so.  Furthermore, I’ve been reminded to not only do this during the holiday season, but during the entire year.  Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and sending my blessings to those who have been affected by the Newtown tragedy.

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Top Ten Things I Love About College - by Stephanie

1. The Parties

No I don’t mean frat parties….I’m talking about Thursday night dance parties in our room.  After a long Thursday starting with an African culture class and ending at 9 pm with a chemistry lab, the only way my roommate and I get through homework without going insane is by getting up and dancing.  We choose a variety of music, but the night usually starts out with Waka Waka and ends with the Hoedown Throwdown…thank you Shakira and Miley. 

2. The Food

Besides the eight dining halls located all over campus, nearly every building has some type of Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Panda Express, or campus café.  Besides that, surrounding campus, there are multiple wings restaurants (college students love wings…a lot).  On top of all this, the freshman honors dorm is conveniently a 2-minute walk from a newly built plaza that features a Subway, an old-fashioned candy shop, a Fro-Yo World, and of course, an Insomnia Cookie’s, which delivers until 3 AM.

3. The Ethnic Diversity 

Coming from a tiny town in New Hampshire and graduating with only 62 other students, my town did not represent many ethnicities.  Since coming here, I have been exposed to so many people with backgrounds so different from mine and with such interesting stories.  In just the past two months, my eyes have been opened to so many new ideas and cultures.  

4. The TAs 

They’re awesome. End of story.  In my case at least, for some of my classes having a good teaching assistant has made tackling some tough classes so much more manageable and even enjoyable.  The cool thing about TAs is that they’ve been in school for a few years so they have the knowledge to help you if you have questions, but on the other hand they’re still students too so sometimes they’re more approachable than professors.  Oh and I shouldn’t forget to mention that if you’re as lucky as I am, your TA will let you and your lab partner use the beads you’re supposed to be using to replicate DNA to make him and yourself friendship bracelets….and yes I said him.

5. The Options for Classes and Class Scheduling

Only in college is it considered acceptable and legit to have classes begin at 8 AM on Tuesdays, 1 PM on Wednesdays and have no classes on Thursdays.  You have the opportunity to create your own schedule and make it exactly what you want it to be.  Furthermore, you have the opportunity to take some of the most absurd sounding classes….for example next semester one of my friends is taking a puppeteer class on Mondays and Tuesdays and a class about wizards, dungeons and dragons on Thursdays….just because.

6. Life is a Constant Sleepover

Growing up as an only child, I never had the opportunity/horror of sharing my room with anyone.  However, in August, I welcomed into my life the joys of freshman housing and a new roommate.  Throughout the whole summer, I worried that my roommate and I wouldn’t get along, wouldn’t have similar enough living habits or just wouldn’t “mesh well together”.  However, living with my roommate (and coincidentally one of my new best friends) has been a blast.  We’ve laughed together and pulled all-nighters together….basically living with her is like a big sleepover.  

7. The Research Opportunities

As a science major, I never doubted that there would be plenty of research opportunities.  However, I didn’t expect them to come until junior or senior year at least.  To my complete surprise, the very first week of school my advisor mentioned that on campus there are a variety of options available for students as early as second semester of freshman year and that the possibilities are endless.  

8. The Clubs and Organizations

Of course there were different clubs and organizations that I could join at my high school, but as you probably guessed when I said I graduated with 62 people…my high school was SMALL so we didn’t have resources available to support a huge variety of clubs.  However, on campus there are over 300 different organizations and since I’ve been here, I’ve had the opportunity to learn both ballroom dancing and Irish Step Dancing.  Both are so much fun and great ways to stay in shape!

9. The Location

What other place besides on a college campus can you get to a variety of restaurants, a gym, stores, an arcade, a bowling alley, a movie theater, a soccer field, a basketball stadium, a post office, a skating rink, a book store and a variety of multicultural centers within a 15 minute walk?

10. The Breaks

As much fun as I’ve been having, there is no doubt that I miss my home, family and friends.  Being in a different area has made me appreciate where I grew up so much more.  This leads me to mention one of the best things about college….breaks are SO LONG!  For example, as I write this, everyone in my dorm is packing up to leave for a much needed 10 day long Thanksgiving break.

Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!

Get to Know Stephanie Brady - Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012

Name: Stephanie Brady   
Age: 18
Hometown: Newmarket, New Hampshire
College: University of Connecticut
Major: Pre-Pharmacy

Favorite movie: What a Girl Wants
Favorite Olympic sport: Summer-gymnastics, Winter-figure skating
Favorite Christmas/holiday tradition: decorating the Christmas tree while baking Christmas cookies and singing carols with my family 
Favorite quote: you’re lucky enough to be different, never change. ~Taylor Swift
Favorite time of year: Sweater weather :)

Plan ahead OR procrastinate: plan ahead!
Paper OR plastic: plastic
Glass half-full OR glass half-empty: glass half-full
Introvert OR extrovert: extrovert
Cats OR Dogs: cats
Morning person OR night person: night person

What would I find in your refrigerator right now (if you have one)? 
Greek yogurt, apples, carrots, mangos, pears, my camelback, Vitamin waters, chocolate chip cookies and brownies from my mom!

What is your biggest fear?
The dark

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about college life that you had to find out on your own? 
You need more sleep than you believe you do!

Sum yourself up in three words. 
Optimistic, Driven, Caring

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? 
A pharmacist because I enjoy chemistry and biology and I love working with people

Describe your single-most favorite moment from your Distinguished Young Women experience.
Although I've had so many incredible experiences in the past year due to my participation in Distinguished Young Women, I think my favorite part has been meeting so many different people from so many different backgrounds. From the 49 new best friends I met in Mobile, to my gregarious host family to different people I've met across my home state, this has been by far the most rewarding aspect.

New Contributors to the Be Distinguished Blog!

We are thrilled to announce a new year of exciting posts on the Be Distinguished blog from our newest batch of contributors! These young women were all members of the Distinguished Young Women Class of 2012 and represented their state at the 55th National Finals in Mobile, Alabama this past June. Throughout the rest of October, each contributor will introduce themselves in a "get to know you" post. Stay tuned and check back often!!

Stephanie Brady

Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012

Carly Henry

Distinguished Young Woman of Pennsylvania for 2012

Lauren Hoppa

Distinguished Young Woman of Colorado for 2012

Keyna Hoselton

Distinguished Young Woman of North Dakota for 2012

Ali Houser

Distinguished Young Woman of South Dakota for 2012

Christina Maxwell

Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2012

Chloe McLaughlin

Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana for 2012

Jordan Orris

Distinguished Young Woman of Nevada for 2012

Ankhita Samuel

Distinguished Young Woman of Kansas for 2012

Sierra Terrell

Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland for 2012

Emily Thomas

Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts for 2012